My life has been so crazy lately that I haven't been able to blog for about a month. It's year-end at General Mills and we are eveloping many new products, recipes and photos, even as we speak. No matter who we are or what kind of lifestyle we live, we all have to deal with innevitable stress at times, it's in fact a normal part of life. The key to dealing with stress is to manage it. As I thought about my coping skills and how I could balance all the things I needed to do, I remembered the wonderful tips in the Betty Crocker Cookbook for Women:
Be Active--Exercise regularly so you can better manage everyday physical and/or emotional stress, but not in the hour before bedtime.
Think Positively--This can help prevent the body's hormonal response to stress. Say to yourself, "I can handle this problem. It's not as bad as it first seemed."
Plan Your Time so that you are in control of your schedule, not someone else.
Talk things out--When you need extra support, find a trusted friend, family member, support group or counselor to talk to.
Eat Good Food--It's really tempting to over-eat or eat high-fat comfort foods, but your best bet is fruits, veggies, whole grains, yogurt and foods moderate in fat and sodium during stressful times.
Relax--Listen to music or try yoga. (deep breathing, stretching and strenthening) Do progresive muscle relaxation, by tensing and relaxing muscle groups in a sequenced pattern. Relaxing helps you focus on something besides the issue at hand.
Harness Humor--Laugh out loud to keep your spirits up. Laughter has a calming effect- having a smile on your face makes it easier to cope with day-to-day stresses. An ancient Chinese proverb says that a laugh is a smile that bursts.
Get a Full Night's Sleep--Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours per night. Begin by winding down at least 30 minutes before going to bed.
Enjoy a quiet moment of meditation or contemplation by closing your eyes, focuing on one thought, word, image or sound, and allowing other thoughts to float away. Meditation can provide a sense of peacefulness and inner calm.
Try Aromatherapy-- Comforting aromas like lavendar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, orange, peppermint, lemon and lime have been found to help people relax.
And, leave it to Betty to come up with 2 recipes to reduce stress. Try one of these easy, homemade remedies to help you wind down after a stressful time or event.
Lemon Massage Oil
1/3 cup almond, canola or grapeseed oil
1/8 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
5 drops lemon essential oil*
Glass bottle with stopper or secure cap
1. Place almond oil, Vitamin E oil and lemon essential oil in bottle. Seal and shake well.
2. Pour 1 tablespoon of oil into hand to warm it, then apply to body using a circular motion.
3. Store remaining oil in cool, dark place or in refrigerator. Let refrigerated oil return to room temperature before using.
*Never apply essential oils directly to skin; always dilute with another oil or water. Consult your physician before using essential oils if you are pregnant or your skin is sensitive to light.
Warming Neck Sock
3 packages (18 oz each) buckwheat kernels or groats (kasha)
1 cup or more dried lavender blossoms, hibiscus or clover flowers (or a combination of your choice)
Knee-high sock
Ribbon, if desired
1. Mix buckwheat groats and dried flowers in large paper grocery bag.
2. Pour buckwheat mixture from a corner of the bag into sock. It may be easier if you use a funnel or have someone hold the sock for you.
3. Tie knot in top of sock; tie ribbon around sock and over the knot.
4. Warm sock in microwave on High 2 minutes. Place sock across the back of neck and shoulders and relax!